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• 1. [Article] Habrate: A Limiting Factors Model for Accessing Stream Habitat Quality for Salmon and Steelhead in the Deschutes River Basin, 2010. Information Reports Number 2010-03

  Abstract -- Fishery managers are commonly tasked with the basic question "Will the contemporary habitat above a barrier support the fish populations that historically resided in the watershed?" Managers ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habrate: A Limiting Factors Model for Accessing Stream Habitat Quality for Salmon and Steelhead in the Deschutes River Basin, 2010. Information Reports Number 2010-03 Abstract -- Fishery managers are commonly tasked with the basic question "Will the contemporary habitat above a barrier support the fish populations that historically resided in the watershed?" Managers in central Oregon were confronted with that question in an effort to reestablish fish populations in 375 kilometers of stream above the Round Butte-Pelton Dam complex (Rkm 161) on the Deschutes River. Stream surveys had been conducted in most of the available stream habitat, but had not been synthesized in a form that allowed managers to view the quality and complexity of stream habitat in an easily-understandable fashion. In response, we developed a limiting factors model (HabRate) that assessed the potential quality of stream habitat using stream survey data for each juvenile life stage of salmon and steelhead. The model was developed for a specific application to the middle Deschutes River basin in Oregon, but was intended for general application to Pacific Northwest basins. To paramatize the model, we summarized available literature on salmonid habitat requirements. Habitat criteria were developed for discrete life history stages (i.e. spawning, egg survival, emergence, summer rearing, and winter rearing) and used to rate the quality of stream reaches as poor, fair, or good, based on attributes relating to stream substrate, habitat unit type, cover, gradient, temperature, and flow. Reach level summaries of stream habitat data were entered into MS Excel, and interpreted by a series of algorithms to provide a limiting factor assessment of potential egg-to-fry and fry-to-parr survival for each reach. Model output lists habitat quality by species and life stage for each reach of stream. The model is a decision making tool that is intended to provide a qualitative assessment of the habitat potential of stream reaches within a basin context. Design criteria for the model were simplicity, flexibility, and transparency. While HabRate was based on our interpretations of the published literature, specific criteria for habitat quality were structured to be easily adjusted where interpretations differ from ours. Information not common to standard stream survey designs, such as seasonal flow or temperature extremes can be included as input from professional judgment. The results were integrated into a GIS coverage coupled with the stream network and habitat data to provide a comprehensive map-based perspective of habitat quality in a watershed. Title: Habrate: A Limiting Factors Model for Accessing Stream Habitat Quality for Salmon and Steelhead in the Deschutes River Basin, 2010. Information Reports Number 2010-03 Abstract -- Fishery managers are commonly tasked with the basic question "Will the contemporary habitat above a barrier support the fish populations that historically resided in the watershed?" Managers in central Oregon were confronted with that question in an effort to reestablish fish populations in 375 kilometers of stream above the Round Butte-Pelton Dam complex (Rkm 161) on the Deschutes River. Stream surveys had been conducted in most of the available stream habitat, but had not been synthesized in a form that allowed managers to view the quality and complexity of stream habitat in an easily-understandable fashion. In response, we developed a limiting factors model (HabRate) that assessed the potential quality of stream habitat using stream survey data for each juvenile life stage of salmon and steelhead. The model was developed for a specific application to the middle Deschutes River basin in Oregon, but was intended for general application to Pacific Northwest basins. To paramatize the model, we summarized available literature on salmonid habitat requirements. Habitat criteria were developed for discrete life history stages (i.e. spawning, egg survival, emergence, summer rearing, and winter rearing) and used to rate the quality of stream reaches as poor, fair, or good, based on attributes relating to stream substrate, habitat unit type, cover, gradient, temperature, and flow. Reach level summaries of stream habitat data were entered into MS Excel, and interpreted by a series of algorithms to provide a limiting factor assessment of potential egg-to-fry and fry-to-parr survival for each reach. Model output lists habitat quality by species and life stage for each reach of stream. The model is a decision making tool that is intended to provide a qualitative assessment of the habitat potential of stream reaches within a basin context. Design criteria for the model were simplicity, flexibility, and transparency. While HabRate was based on our interpretations of the published literature, specific criteria for habitat quality were structured to be easily adjusted where interpretations differ from ours. Information not common to standard stream survey designs, such as seasonal flow or temperature extremes can be included as input from professional judgment. The results were integrated into a GIS coverage coupled with the stream network and habitat data to provide a comprehensive map-based perspective of habitat quality in a watershed. Close

• 2. [Article] Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys: Aquatic Inventories Project Information Reports 2007-01

  Abstract -- The Aquatic Inventories Project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys: Aquatic Inventories Project Information Reports 2007-01 Abstract -- The Aquatic Inventories Project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for biologists and land managers, to establish monitoring programs, and to direct or focus habitat restoration efforts. Development of an Aquatic Inventories Project began within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in 1989 with sponsorship by the Restoration and Enhancement Program. Drafting of stream survey methods and implementation of field work began in 1990. The conceptual background for this work came from the experience of project staff and from interactions with Oregon State University, forest industry, and USFS PNW research scientists (Bisson et al. 1982, Grant 1986, Everest et al. 1987, Hankin and Reeves 1988, Moore and Gregory 1989, and Gregory et al. 1991). Significant contributions and review of these methods were provided by ODFW research staff, and from consultation with ODFW and United States Forest Service (USFS) biologists working on similar programs. Members of the Umpqua Basin Fisheries Restoration Initiative and the Oregon Forest Industry Council have provided additional review and consultation. This methodology was designed to be compatible with other stream habitat inventories and classification systems (i.e., Rosgen 1985, Frissell et al. 1986, Cupp 1989, Ralph 1989, USFS Region 6 Level II Inventory 1992, and Hawkins et al. 1993). This compatibility is achieved by systematically identifying and quantifying valley and stream geomorphic features. The resulting matrix of measurements and spatial relationships can then be generalized into frequently occurring valley and channel types or translated into the nomenclature of a particular system. For example, information summarized at the reach level (valley width, channel type, slope, terrace height and width, sinuosity, width, depth, substrate, eroding banks, etc.) can be used to characterize the stream into one of the types described by Rosgen (1985) or to match the parameters collected in other quantitative (USFS) or historic (U.S. Bureau of Fisheries) surveys. The process of conducting a stream survey involves collection of general information from maps and other sources and the direct observation of stream characteristics in the field. This information is both collected and analyzed based on a hierarchical system of regions, basins, streams, reaches, and habitat units. Supervisors are responsible for collecting the general information on regions and basins and for directing the activities of the survey crews. Survey teams will collect field data based on stream, reach and channel unit characteristics. Region and basin data will primarily come from ODFW-EPA region and sub region classifications, and from map analysis. The following instructions and definitions provide the outline for these activities and a description of the tasks involved in conducting ODFW’s stream habitat inventory. Each field crew is comprised of two people with each member responsible for specific tasks. The "Estimator" will focus on the identification of channel unit characteristics. The "Numerator" will focus on the counts and relative distribution of several unit attributes and will verify the length and width estimates for a subset of units. The "Estimator" and "Numerator" share the responsibility for describing reach characteristics, riparian conditions, identifying habitat unit types, and for quantifying the amount of large woody debris. Crew members may switch responsibility for estimator or numerator when they start a new stream. They will not, however, switch estimator and numerator jobs on the same stream. Title: Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys: Aquatic Inventories Project Information Reports 2007-01 Abstract -- The Aquatic Inventories Project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for biologists and land managers, to establish monitoring programs, and to direct or focus habitat restoration efforts. Development of an Aquatic Inventories Project began within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in 1989 with sponsorship by the Restoration and Enhancement Program. Drafting of stream survey methods and implementation of field work began in 1990. The conceptual background for this work came from the experience of project staff and from interactions with Oregon State University, forest industry, and USFS PNW research scientists (Bisson et al. 1982, Grant 1986, Everest et al. 1987, Hankin and Reeves 1988, Moore and Gregory 1989, and Gregory et al. 1991). Significant contributions and review of these methods were provided by ODFW research staff, and from consultation with ODFW and United States Forest Service (USFS) biologists working on similar programs. Members of the Umpqua Basin Fisheries Restoration Initiative and the Oregon Forest Industry Council have provided additional review and consultation. This methodology was designed to be compatible with other stream habitat inventories and classification systems (i.e., Rosgen 1985, Frissell et al. 1986, Cupp 1989, Ralph 1989, USFS Region 6 Level II Inventory 1992, and Hawkins et al. 1993). This compatibility is achieved by systematically identifying and quantifying valley and stream geomorphic features. The resulting matrix of measurements and spatial relationships can then be generalized into frequently occurring valley and channel types or translated into the nomenclature of a particular system. For example, information summarized at the reach level (valley width, channel type, slope, terrace height and width, sinuosity, width, depth, substrate, eroding banks, etc.) can be used to characterize the stream into one of the types described by Rosgen (1985) or to match the parameters collected in other quantitative (USFS) or historic (U.S. Bureau of Fisheries) surveys. The process of conducting a stream survey involves collection of general information from maps and other sources and the direct observation of stream characteristics in the field. This information is both collected and analyzed based on a hierarchical system of regions, basins, streams, reaches, and habitat units. Supervisors are responsible for collecting the general information on regions and basins and for directing the activities of the survey crews. Survey teams will collect field data based on stream, reach and channel unit characteristics. Region and basin data will primarily come from ODFW-EPA region and sub region classifications, and from map analysis. The following instructions and definitions provide the outline for these activities and a description of the tasks involved in conducting ODFW’s stream habitat inventory. Each field crew is comprised of two people with each member responsible for specific tasks. The "Estimator" will focus on the identification of channel unit characteristics. The "Numerator" will focus on the counts and relative distribution of several unit attributes and will verify the length and width estimates for a subset of units. The "Estimator" and "Numerator" share the responsibility for describing reach characteristics, riparian conditions, identifying habitat unit types, and for quantifying the amount of large woody debris. Crew members may switch responsibility for estimator or numerator when they start a new stream. They will not, however, switch estimator and numerator jobs on the same stream. Close

• 3. [Article] Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5

  Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5 Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds was initiated in response to the petition to list Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), monitoring was subsequently expanded to include other salmonids. Through coordinated surveys we are able to evaluate freshwater habitat, fish distribution, and abundance of juvenile and adult coho salmon and steelhead trout. The habitat survey project has the broadest geographic scope of inference and ties to other program components as well – basin surveys, surveys at habitat restoration sites, adult and juvenile coho surveys, and life cycle watersheds (Flitcroft et al. 2002). The Oregon Plan facilitated cooperation and partnerships to study the contemporary life history dynamics of coho salmon in the Oregon coastal ESU (Evolutionary Significant Unit). A viability and status assessment of Oregon coastal Coho (Chilcote 2005) and the Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (Nicholas 2006) evaluated the relationship of aquatic habitat to the productivity of coho salmon populations and recommended actions to promote recovery. The habitat portion of the viability assessment was based on a review of aquatic and riparian habitat collected by the Aquatic Inventories Project (ODFW) from 1990 to 2004 (Rodgers et al. 2005). The authors of the habitat assessment (Rodgers et al 2005) and viability assessment (Chilcote 2005) concluded that coho productivity in 22 coastal coho populations was limited by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The term “stream complexity” integrates geomorphic and structural characteristics of streams and associated aquatic habitat. Complex geomorphic features may be observed in low gradient streams flowing through wide valley floors with multiple channels and off-channel habitats. Structural complexity refers to the size and configuration of pools, large wood pieces and jams, substrate, and undercut banks. The combination of geomorphic and structural features provides cover and refugia during high winter flows for juvenile coho. Stream reaches that can or have the potential to create these conditions are commonly located in lower reaches of moderate size streams in areas with wide valley floors and are considered to contain high quality habitat for juvenile coho. Burnett et al. (2007) developed spatial models to estimate high-quality habitat rearing potential, termed intrinsic potential, in coastal streams. A stream’s intrinsic potential was modeled using valley width, gradient, and stream flow. Historically, streams identified as having high intrinsic potential may have been the most productive for juvenile coho salmon; restoration of these reaches may be the key to recovery of coho salmon. The viability assessment and Coho Plan recommend that we monitor the trends in total amount and spatial distribution of these habitats in coastal drainages. This report discusses the findings from aquatic habitat surveys conducted in summer 2005 in coastal drainages. Our objectives are to describe and compare channel morphology, instream habitat and complexity, and riparian conditions in all wadeable streams in five monitoring areas. The sample design permitted us to post stratify the sample sites into three additional frames: sites within coho and steelhead distribution, sites outside coho distribution, and sites within high intrinsic potential for coho. We also used two habitat models to integrate habitat attributes to describe the habitat quality and capacity for different life stages of juvenile coho and steelhead. Title: Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5 Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds was initiated in response to the petition to list Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), monitoring was subsequently expanded to include other salmonids. Through coordinated surveys we are able to evaluate freshwater habitat, fish distribution, and abundance of juvenile and adult coho salmon and steelhead trout. The habitat survey project has the broadest geographic scope of inference and ties to other program components as well – basin surveys, surveys at habitat restoration sites, adult and juvenile coho surveys, and life cycle watersheds (Flitcroft et al. 2002). The Oregon Plan facilitated cooperation and partnerships to study the contemporary life history dynamics of coho salmon in the Oregon coastal ESU (Evolutionary Significant Unit). A viability and status assessment of Oregon coastal Coho (Chilcote 2005) and the Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (Nicholas 2006) evaluated the relationship of aquatic habitat to the productivity of coho salmon populations and recommended actions to promote recovery. The habitat portion of the viability assessment was based on a review of aquatic and riparian habitat collected by the Aquatic Inventories Project (ODFW) from 1990 to 2004 (Rodgers et al. 2005). The authors of the habitat assessment (Rodgers et al 2005) and viability assessment (Chilcote 2005) concluded that coho productivity in 22 coastal coho populations was limited by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The term “stream complexity” integrates geomorphic and structural characteristics of streams and associated aquatic habitat. Complex geomorphic features may be observed in low gradient streams flowing through wide valley floors with multiple channels and off-channel habitats. Structural complexity refers to the size and configuration of pools, large wood pieces and jams, substrate, and undercut banks. The combination of geomorphic and structural features provides cover and refugia during high winter flows for juvenile coho. Stream reaches that can or have the potential to create these conditions are commonly located in lower reaches of moderate size streams in areas with wide valley floors and are considered to contain high quality habitat for juvenile coho. Burnett et al. (2007) developed spatial models to estimate high-quality habitat rearing potential, termed intrinsic potential, in coastal streams. A stream’s intrinsic potential was modeled using valley width, gradient, and stream flow. Historically, streams identified as having high intrinsic potential may have been the most productive for juvenile coho salmon; restoration of these reaches may be the key to recovery of coho salmon. The viability assessment and Coho Plan recommend that we monitor the trends in total amount and spatial distribution of these habitats in coastal drainages. This report discusses the findings from aquatic habitat surveys conducted in summer 2005 in coastal drainages. Our objectives are to describe and compare channel morphology, instream habitat and complexity, and riparian conditions in all wadeable streams in five monitoring areas. The sample design permitted us to post stratify the sample sites into three additional frames: sites within coho and steelhead distribution, sites outside coho distribution, and sites within high intrinsic potential for coho. We also used two habitat models to integrate habitat attributes to describe the habitat quality and capacity for different life stages of juvenile coho and steelhead. Close

• 4. [Article] A Compendium of Grande Ronde River and Imnaha River Basins Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys Conducted from 1948 through 2003

  Abstract -- A variety of methods have been used to estimate the number of spring/summer Chinook salmon returning to spawn in Northeast Oregon streams. However, little quantitative information has been ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Compendium of Grande Ronde River and Imnaha River Basins Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys Conducted from 1948 through 2003 Abstract -- A variety of methods have been used to estimate the number of spring/summer Chinook salmon returning to spawn in Northeast Oregon streams. However, little quantitative information has been available to fisheries biologists and studies to quantify total annual escapement have not been conducted. Techniques used to estimate spawning escapement were often not documented (Van Cleave and Ting 1960, Oregon Fish Commission, unpublished data; Smith 1975). While other estimates have formed the basis for compensating losses due to the construction of the lower Snake River dams and setting subbasin supplementation goals, the accuracy of these estimates is unknown (USACE 1975, Carmichael and Boyce 1987, ODFW 1990). As populations continue to decline, accurate historic and current escapement estimates are needed to set management goals for conservation, recovery, supplementation, harvest, and to monitor population health. Spawning populations of spring/summer Chinook salmon have been monitored in Northeast Oregon streams since 1948 by visually counting redds. The Oregon Fish Commission established early surveys and in 1961 the Oregon Game Commission also began surveys. The two agencies were merged into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1975. In the past, time and budget limitations prevented fishery biologists from surveying entire streams. Redd counts, therefore, were limited to only a portion of the available spawning habitat on each stream termed the “index” area. The index area was chosen as the area most likely to provide a good sample (represent majority of spawning) of spawning escapement for a given stream. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: A Compendium of Grande Ronde River and Imnaha River Basins Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys Conducted from 1948 through 2003 Abstract -- A variety of methods have been used to estimate the number of spring/summer Chinook salmon returning to spawn in Northeast Oregon streams. However, little quantitative information has been available to fisheries biologists and studies to quantify total annual escapement have not been conducted. Techniques used to estimate spawning escapement were often not documented (Van Cleave and Ting 1960, Oregon Fish Commission, unpublished data; Smith 1975). While other estimates have formed the basis for compensating losses due to the construction of the lower Snake River dams and setting subbasin supplementation goals, the accuracy of these estimates is unknown (USACE 1975, Carmichael and Boyce 1987, ODFW 1990). As populations continue to decline, accurate historic and current escapement estimates are needed to set management goals for conservation, recovery, supplementation, harvest, and to monitor population health. Spawning populations of spring/summer Chinook salmon have been monitored in Northeast Oregon streams since 1948 by visually counting redds. The Oregon Fish Commission established early surveys and in 1961 the Oregon Game Commission also began surveys. The two agencies were merged into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1975. In the past, time and budget limitations prevented fishery biologists from surveying entire streams. Redd counts, therefore, were limited to only a portion of the available spawning habitat on each stream termed the “index” area. The index area was chosen as the area most likely to provide a good sample (represent majority of spawning) of spawning escapement for a given stream. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 5. [Article] Upper Nehelam Habitat Assessments 2005

  Abstract -- Project staff utilized the ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol to assess habitat in selected small, medium, and large sized streams in the Upper Nehalem basin. In addition, the project personnel ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Upper Nehelam Habitat Assessments 2005 Abstract -- Project staff utilized the ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol to assess habitat in selected small, medium, and large sized streams in the Upper Nehalem basin. In addition, the project personnel conducted a snorkeling survey to estimate juvenile salmonid distribution in these streams. The 2005 surveys completed a portion of the Coho freshwater habitat found within the Upper Nehalem. During the 2005 season we surveyed 84 stream reaches in 38 streams totaling 96.89 kilometers of habitat, (60.206 miles) of habitat. In addition, the project staff snorkeled 130 pools within the surveyed areas. Title: Upper Nehelam Habitat Assessments 2005 Abstract -- Project staff utilized the ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol to assess habitat in selected small, medium, and large sized streams in the Upper Nehalem basin. In addition, the project personnel conducted a snorkeling survey to estimate juvenile salmonid distribution in these streams. The 2005 surveys completed a portion of the Coho freshwater habitat found within the Upper Nehalem. During the 2005 season we surveyed 84 stream reaches in 38 streams totaling 96.89 kilometers of habitat, (60.206 miles) of habitat. In addition, the project staff snorkeled 130 pools within the surveyed areas. Close

• 6. [Article] Upper Nehelam Habitat Assessments - Winter 2006 & 2007

  Abstract -- Project staff utilized the ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol to assess habitat in selected small, medium, and large sized streams in the Upper Nehalem basin. In addition, the project personnel ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Upper Nehelam Habitat Assessments - Winter 2006 & 2007 Abstract -- Project staff utilized the ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol to assess habitat in selected small, medium, and large sized streams in the Upper Nehalem basin. In addition, the project personnel conducted a snorkeling survey to estimate juvenile salmonid distribution in these streams. The 2006 and 2007 habitat surveys completed the remaining non-surveyed Coho freshwater habitat streams found within the Upper Nehalem. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons we surveyed 218 stream reaches in 87 streams totaling 242.82 kilometers (150.54 miles) of habitat. In addition, the project staff snorkeled 445 pools within the surveyed areas. Title: Upper Nehelam Habitat Assessments - Winter 2006 & 2007 Abstract -- Project staff utilized the ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol to assess habitat in selected small, medium, and large sized streams in the Upper Nehalem basin. In addition, the project personnel conducted a snorkeling survey to estimate juvenile salmonid distribution in these streams. The 2006 and 2007 habitat surveys completed the remaining non-surveyed Coho freshwater habitat streams found within the Upper Nehalem. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons we surveyed 218 stream reaches in 87 streams totaling 242.82 kilometers (150.54 miles) of habitat. In addition, the project staff snorkeled 445 pools within the surveyed areas. Close

• 7. [Article] Progress Report of the Lake Survey at Mt. Hood National Forest, 1939

  Abstract -- This is a progress report on the lake and stream survey being conducted on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The survey is being carried on under the joint cooperative agreement between the U.S. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Progress Report of the Lake Survey at Mt. Hood National Forest, 1939 Abstract -- This is a progress report on the lake and stream survey being conducted on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The survey is being carried on under the joint cooperative agreement between the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture signed March 18, 1935. It is part of the cooperative program of the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries for stream and lake surveys, detailed fresh water investigations, and stream and lake improvement in the National Forests of Region 6 approved June 25, 1937. Title: Progress Report of the Lake Survey at Mt. Hood National Forest, 1939 Abstract -- This is a progress report on the lake and stream survey being conducted on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The survey is being carried on under the joint cooperative agreement between the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture signed March 18, 1935. It is part of the cooperative program of the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries for stream and lake surveys, detailed fresh water investigations, and stream and lake improvement in the National Forests of Region 6 approved June 25, 1937. Close

• 8. [Article] Luckiamute Rapid Bio-Assessment

  Abstract -- The 2011 Rapid Bio-Assessment inventory of the Luckiamute Watershed was a replicate inventory that attempted to target the most productive salmonid habitats in the basin. This was the fourth ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Luckiamute Rapid Bio-Assessment Abstract -- The 2011 Rapid Bio-Assessment inventory of the Luckiamute Watershed was a replicate inventory that attempted to target the most productive salmonid habitats in the basin. This was the fourth consecutive inventory in the basin designed to describe the distribution and relative abundance of coho, cutthroat trout and winter steelhead. The entire basin (214 stream miles) was inventoried in 2008 utilizing the RBA protocol which included many miles of dysfunctional aquatic habitats that currently exhibit deep channel entrenchment, elevated summer temperature profiles and provided limited summer production potential. Survey efforts were reduced to 96.6 stream miles in 2009 and covered only the highest quality habitat reaches. Surveys were further refined in 2010 to a subset of the highest quality habitats (90.2 stream miles) and reduced again in 2011 to 84.6 stream miles. Some streams in the basin were also surveyed in 2002 and 2003 in a separate effort funded by Boise Cascade, the previous owner of the current Forest Capital holdings. These included Beaver, Boulder, Clayton, Cougar, Miller, Pedee, Ritner, Sheythe, West Fork Luckiamute, Wolf, and approximately 7 miles of the upper Luckiamute mainstem. Results and comparisons to those surveys are included below in the Site Specific observations. The intent of the RBA inventory was to gather information on the status of juvenile salmonid summer distributions and summer rearing densities. The inventory consisted of extensive snorkel surveys that began at the mouth of each stream and continued to the end of significant salmonid rearing potential (not to the end of cutthroat distribution). These surveys will be used to develop a base line for understanding how juvenile salmonids are currently utilizing habitats within the basin during summer flow regimes. Replicates of this inventory in high priority stream reaches (streams exhibiting residual system function) will be critical for identifying trends in the distribution and abundance of juvenile coho, steelhead and cutthroat in response to watershed restoration and management. The Rapid Bio-Assessment (RBA) survey method was designed to sub-sample 20 percent of the pool habitats using a Rapid Assay technique that could cover large distances and succeed in describing the current distribution of juvenile salmonids in all of the surveyed streams and their tributaries. Beaver dam frequency was also recorded. Title: Luckiamute Rapid Bio-Assessment Abstract -- The 2011 Rapid Bio-Assessment inventory of the Luckiamute Watershed was a replicate inventory that attempted to target the most productive salmonid habitats in the basin. This was the fourth consecutive inventory in the basin designed to describe the distribution and relative abundance of coho, cutthroat trout and winter steelhead. The entire basin (214 stream miles) was inventoried in 2008 utilizing the RBA protocol which included many miles of dysfunctional aquatic habitats that currently exhibit deep channel entrenchment, elevated summer temperature profiles and provided limited summer production potential. Survey efforts were reduced to 96.6 stream miles in 2009 and covered only the highest quality habitat reaches. Surveys were further refined in 2010 to a subset of the highest quality habitats (90.2 stream miles) and reduced again in 2011 to 84.6 stream miles. Some streams in the basin were also surveyed in 2002 and 2003 in a separate effort funded by Boise Cascade, the previous owner of the current Forest Capital holdings. These included Beaver, Boulder, Clayton, Cougar, Miller, Pedee, Ritner, Sheythe, West Fork Luckiamute, Wolf, and approximately 7 miles of the upper Luckiamute mainstem. Results and comparisons to those surveys are included below in the Site Specific observations. The intent of the RBA inventory was to gather information on the status of juvenile salmonid summer distributions and summer rearing densities. The inventory consisted of extensive snorkel surveys that began at the mouth of each stream and continued to the end of significant salmonid rearing potential (not to the end of cutthroat distribution). These surveys will be used to develop a base line for understanding how juvenile salmonids are currently utilizing habitats within the basin during summer flow regimes. Replicates of this inventory in high priority stream reaches (streams exhibiting residual system function) will be critical for identifying trends in the distribution and abundance of juvenile coho, steelhead and cutthroat in response to watershed restoration and management. The Rapid Bio-Assessment (RBA) survey method was designed to sub-sample 20 percent of the pool habitats using a Rapid Assay technique that could cover large distances and succeed in describing the current distribution of juvenile salmonids in all of the surveyed streams and their tributaries. Beaver dam frequency was also recorded. Close

• 9. [Article] Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02

  Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02 Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (per USFWS requirements for State Wildlife Action Plans). The distribution of many species of amphibians in western Oregon is sparsely documented (Oregon Conservation Strategy, page 27). Although a broad-scale survey for amphibian presence would provide much information about amphibian distribution, most studies have focused on limited areas. One cost-effective approach is to combine amphibian observational surveys with existing aquatic habitat surveys conducted as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OCSRI 1997). The Oregon Plan has been in place since 1997 and the monitoring component provides a survey framework for streams in the lower Columbia River and Oregon coast drainages. The sampling framework is also compatible with implementation of the aquatic components of the Conservation Strategy, as demonstrated by this study. This study describes the presence of amphibians in and along wadeable streams in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages of Oregon, ponds and sloughs in the Willamette Valley, and selected streams in the Great Basin of southeast and central Oregon. As a component of monitoring under the Oregon Plan, the Aquatic Inventories Project (AIP) conducts aquatic habitat surveys at randomly selected and spatially balanced sites across all 1st through 4th order streams (wadeable) in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages. The purpose of the habitat surveys is to describe stream morphology, instream physical habitat, and riparian vegetation. Because the surveyors were already observing features within and alongside the stream channel, they were able to record observations of amphibians. The amphibian component was consistent with the survey protocol used by the US Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. The advantage of coupling an amphibian component with the OR Plan aquatic surveys was that it not only was an efficient use of resources, but more importantly, provided information using a statistically rigorous survey design across a broad geographic area. In the summer of 2006, AIP began collecting amphibian occurrence data during physical stream habitat surveys as a pilot study to determine if our standard survey protocol could be modified to document distribution of amphibians characterized as Strategy Species under the Oregon Conservation Strategy. During the summer season, field crews observed four strategy species of amphibians and eleven amphibian species total. The potential to use these data to fill the gaps within the known current distribution of amphibians and to potentially develop a habitat based distribution models for these species led to the summer 2007 work. Amphibian data are also collected during four other survey projects, and although the site selection procedure does not conform to the same statistical standards as the Oregon Plan survey design, the projects offer a number of opportunities to collect amphibian occurrence information over a wide variety of habitats. The amphibian observations from these four projects are also included in this report. The four projects are as follows: • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys on selected streams throughout the state. • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys at stream habitat restoration projects in Western Oregon. • Surveys to document the distribution of Oregon chub also record amphibian data from over 1,000 pond and slough sites within the Willamette Valley floodplain since 1991. • The Native Fish Investigations Project began a study in 2007 to document the distribution and abundance of Redband Trout in the Great Basin region of Eastern Oregon. Surveys in the summer of 2007 occurred in 8 of Oregon’s 10 ecoregions (Figure 1)(Omernick 1994). Ecoregions are relatively large areas defined by distinctive geographic and ecological characteristics; flora and fauna communities and geographic conditions are typically distinct. Ecoregions provide an ecological framework for describing amphibian distribution across the state. The goals of our 2007 work were to: • Increase the consistency, efficiency and ability of habitat crews in identifying amphibians through improved training. • Increase knowledge of distribution and habitat associations of amphibians in streams in western Oregon (location, stream size and type), and infer distribution in all coastal and lower Columbia drainages. • Describe temporal changes in stream habitat use by amphibians (seasonal, annual). • Estimate surveyor bias by comparing standard crew data with intensive resurveys. • Describe distribution of amphibians in ponds, sloughs and other off channel aquatic habitats in the Willamette Valley. • Describe distribution of amphibians in the Great Basin of eastern Oregon. Many of Oregon’s amphibians rely on aquatic habitats at some point of their life, either for breeding and juvenile development or to inhabit as adults. Most aquatic amphibians breed from late winter to early summer, and many adults remain in or near their breeding sites into the summer. Most tadpoles and juvenile amphibians are also active in and occupy aquatic habitats during the summer. The aquatic habitat and redband trout surveys are appropriate opportunities to observe species and life stages (breeding adults, tadpoles and juveniles) that occupy aquatic or riparian habitats during the summer. Likewise the Oregon chub surveys are likely to observe amphibian species and life stages in ponds and sloughs during the spring and fall. These types of surveys are an efficient and cost-effective means to collect information on amphibian species that are closely tied to aquatic habitat throughout their life cycle. Amphibian species that are more terrestrial in nature may be better surveyed through a different approach. Title: Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02 Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (per USFWS requirements for State Wildlife Action Plans). The distribution of many species of amphibians in western Oregon is sparsely documented (Oregon Conservation Strategy, page 27). Although a broad-scale survey for amphibian presence would provide much information about amphibian distribution, most studies have focused on limited areas. One cost-effective approach is to combine amphibian observational surveys with existing aquatic habitat surveys conducted as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OCSRI 1997). The Oregon Plan has been in place since 1997 and the monitoring component provides a survey framework for streams in the lower Columbia River and Oregon coast drainages. The sampling framework is also compatible with implementation of the aquatic components of the Conservation Strategy, as demonstrated by this study. This study describes the presence of amphibians in and along wadeable streams in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages of Oregon, ponds and sloughs in the Willamette Valley, and selected streams in the Great Basin of southeast and central Oregon. As a component of monitoring under the Oregon Plan, the Aquatic Inventories Project (AIP) conducts aquatic habitat surveys at randomly selected and spatially balanced sites across all 1st through 4th order streams (wadeable) in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages. The purpose of the habitat surveys is to describe stream morphology, instream physical habitat, and riparian vegetation. Because the surveyors were already observing features within and alongside the stream channel, they were able to record observations of amphibians. The amphibian component was consistent with the survey protocol used by the US Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. The advantage of coupling an amphibian component with the OR Plan aquatic surveys was that it not only was an efficient use of resources, but more importantly, provided information using a statistically rigorous survey design across a broad geographic area. In the summer of 2006, AIP began collecting amphibian occurrence data during physical stream habitat surveys as a pilot study to determine if our standard survey protocol could be modified to document distribution of amphibians characterized as Strategy Species under the Oregon Conservation Strategy. During the summer season, field crews observed four strategy species of amphibians and eleven amphibian species total. The potential to use these data to fill the gaps within the known current distribution of amphibians and to potentially develop a habitat based distribution models for these species led to the summer 2007 work. Amphibian data are also collected during four other survey projects, and although the site selection procedure does not conform to the same statistical standards as the Oregon Plan survey design, the projects offer a number of opportunities to collect amphibian occurrence information over a wide variety of habitats. The amphibian observations from these four projects are also included in this report. The four projects are as follows: • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys on selected streams throughout the state. • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys at stream habitat restoration projects in Western Oregon. • Surveys to document the distribution of Oregon chub also record amphibian data from over 1,000 pond and slough sites within the Willamette Valley floodplain since 1991. • The Native Fish Investigations Project began a study in 2007 to document the distribution and abundance of Redband Trout in the Great Basin region of Eastern Oregon. Surveys in the summer of 2007 occurred in 8 of Oregon’s 10 ecoregions (Figure 1)(Omernick 1994). Ecoregions are relatively large areas defined by distinctive geographic and ecological characteristics; flora and fauna communities and geographic conditions are typically distinct. Ecoregions provide an ecological framework for describing amphibian distribution across the state. The goals of our 2007 work were to: • Increase the consistency, efficiency and ability of habitat crews in identifying amphibians through improved training. • Increase knowledge of distribution and habitat associations of amphibians in streams in western Oregon (location, stream size and type), and infer distribution in all coastal and lower Columbia drainages. • Describe temporal changes in stream habitat use by amphibians (seasonal, annual). • Estimate surveyor bias by comparing standard crew data with intensive resurveys. • Describe distribution of amphibians in ponds, sloughs and other off channel aquatic habitats in the Willamette Valley. • Describe distribution of amphibians in the Great Basin of eastern Oregon. Many of Oregon’s amphibians rely on aquatic habitats at some point of their life, either for breeding and juvenile development or to inhabit as adults. Most aquatic amphibians breed from late winter to early summer, and many adults remain in or near their breeding sites into the summer. Most tadpoles and juvenile amphibians are also active in and occupy aquatic habitats during the summer. The aquatic habitat and redband trout surveys are appropriate opportunities to observe species and life stages (breeding adults, tadpoles and juveniles) that occupy aquatic or riparian habitats during the summer. Likewise the Oregon chub surveys are likely to observe amphibian species and life stages in ponds and sloughs during the spring and fall. These types of surveys are an efficient and cost-effective means to collect information on amphibian species that are closely tied to aquatic habitat throughout their life cycle. Amphibian species that are more terrestrial in nature may be better surveyed through a different approach. Close

• 10. [Article] Lake Survey of the Willamette National Forest, 1937

  Abstract -- This is the third and concluding report of the Willamette National Forest Lake Survey which was started in 1936. The survey was conducted under the joint cooperative agreement between U.S. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lake Survey of the Willamette National Forest, 1937 Abstract -- This is the third and concluding report of the Willamette National Forest Lake Survey which was started in 1936. The survey was conducted under the joint cooperative agreement between U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, signed March 18, 1935. This survey is a part of the tentative cooperative program of the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Fisheries for stream and lake surveys, stream and lake improvements, and detailed fresh water investigations in the National Forests of Region 6, approved June 25, 1937. Title: Lake Survey of the Willamette National Forest, 1937 Abstract -- This is the third and concluding report of the Willamette National Forest Lake Survey which was started in 1936. The survey was conducted under the joint cooperative agreement between U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, signed March 18, 1935. This survey is a part of the tentative cooperative program of the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Fisheries for stream and lake surveys, stream and lake improvements, and detailed fresh water investigations in the National Forests of Region 6, approved June 25, 1937. Close